“You have a beautiful name. Where are you from Serena?”
“You wouldn’t believe it if I told you.”
“Try me, I am in no hurry. Is it okay if I sit down next to you to watch the animals and birds as we talk?” Kathleen asked.
“Absolutely, I would enjoy the company,” she answered. Kathleen sat down and faced her. Jules was quiet for a few seconds before she said, “I came from Honor Mountain where warriors go to compete.”
Kathleen mentioned, “That place is famous. Some of the best warriors I know have trained there.”
“I used to be one of the top fighters.” Over the next hour Serena told Kathleen her story. She used to be an expert fighter at Honor Mountain for several years. Many months ago she started losing competitions and battles. No matter what she did she couldn’t fix her ability to win. One battle ended so badly she went back and packed her bags and left. She needed a change in her life. She traveled to the Brown Wizard Delta and helped out at several farms over the last couple of months but being a farmer didn’t make her happy. She left and is not sure what she is looking for? She came upon the lake and decided to stop and do some thinking?
“If you are a warrior, where is your weapon?” ask Kathleen. Serena moved over and held up a large hunting knife that had been under her bag. It had a dark wood handle with the rune of brass carved into it.
“This is all I need on the road,” she replied. I have won many competitions with only this knife. Putting her finger over her lips and pointing at the water she said, “shhhh.” A mother possum and her babies were approaching the lake.
“Do you like animals?” asked Kathleen.
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“Yes, I do. That was the only part of being a farmer I enjoyed was taking care of the animals.” replied Serena.
Kathleen leaned forward slightly and said, “I lead a small group of warriors called the Jadeites who protect the Emerald Forest from poachers. People travel to the forest to take animals and plants to sell at the open markets. We protect the animals and plants. Do you think you would like to come with me back to our camp and hang out with us for a few days? You could see what we do? There are four others and myself. You are free to leave us at any time you want.”
“What would I be doing?”
“We walk through the forest each day and check to see if everything is okay. Sometimes we need to run off poachers or others from taking plants and animals. It isn’t often I find someone with your abilities who also has the love for nature. I think you might fit in with us. What do you think?”
Serena replied,“I don’t know? Where is your camp?”
“We need to travel down Noxi road east until we cross the Chunky River and then we head north up the Iota Path. I can show you the animals and plants we protect. Wait until you see the blue river rats. They are so cute.”
Serena looked over at a group of trees and asked, “I have a pet pig. Can he come too?”
“Where is he?” blurted Kathleen.
Serena whistled and from the shadows of the trees a small brown pig came running. “Piggy Piggy,” she called. He wiggled over and sat down next to Serena and grunted. “This is Dirt.”
“Hello Dirt” said Kathleen as she rubbed around the back of his ears. “He’s so cute!” exclaimed Kathleen. He definitely can come. Will he be able to stay at camp without you? Sometimes we go on missions where he won’t be able to go.
“Sure, He will stay if I tell him to. Besides, he sleeps a lot.”
“What do you say? Do you want to walk back with me?”
Serena looked at her pig and then scanned the lake at the deer drinking water. Then at the Peek-a-boo sticking his head out. “Sure, let's go.” she said getting up. “Say, I like to cook. Would it be okay if I make dinner sometime?”
“Are you kidding me? Absolutely you can make dinner. None of us cook very well and we like to eat. I got a feeling you are going to fit in well with the group.”
Serena smiled as she and Kathleen headed toward the road with Dirt following close behind. From above Kez followed too.
Several years later Serena is still with the Jadeites but now has the same tattoo on her arm as the other Jadeites. Soon another warrior would join them.
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